[At some point after Wade's sat on his conversation with Charles since the pool party, Wade waited to make sure Charles was alone (no peeking by brutish Canadians) and that he had the right place. At some point when he's home there will be a knock at the door and Charles will find, placed on a small stack of empty pizza boxes (as if he thought about Charles having to lean down to pick it up) is a pretty nice tin box of teabags. Not the best quality, but at least like, better than Starbucks. Only one seems to be missing.
There's what appears to be... a card(?) on top, and while childish-looking and seemingly drawn with crayons, it appears to have a decent amount of time spent on it. Alongside the card is a small note which reads:
A giant, stinky musical birdie told me this was your thing.
P.S. Those aren't lightning bolts, they're mind blasts. - DP
[ it goes to voicemail though, and she tries not to let her exhaustion at that seep through to her voice when she composes herself enough to leave him a mostly coherent message. ]
Professor. I apologize for disturbing you at this hour. Scott, Logan and I went to Kolliery to see if we might find anything interesting.
[ a bit hard to believe that that was all this was supposed to even be. On her end, she pinches the bridge of her nose tiredly. Sighs, and continues. ]
But something's strange has happened. I think... there might be some psionic interference going on. People seem to be reading each other's emotions, or sharing them, and...
[ a long pause. ]
Well, Scott has learned some things. The boys got into a terrible fight and have stormed off in different directions and I don't know where they've gone, and... [ What else could she even disclose? She could ask for help, but she needed to be better than that. Couldn't she handle this alone? She ought to. She's handled worse and more alone before. ]
... and I just thought you should know, should either of them find you soon or before I find them. And if that's the case - could you let me know as well, please? I'd really like to talk to them.
[ Ororo pulls over to answer the phone once she sees who's calling. At this distance from the city, she isn't sure how much the Professor can read her... but surely he'll pick up on her anxiety from her voice? She tries to sound calmer than she is. ]
[ Charles doesn't know if that's because they have their reasons, or because they're traveling, or are still too upset to talk. He massages his temples, feeling like he really needs a cup of tea but finding Scott seems like the most logical next step.]
Yes. [ Ororo sighs, but there's no sugarcoating what happened - especially since she doesn't have a clear picture of how it started. ]
I think... he picked up on some of Logan's thoughts somehow - and then some of mine. And when he asked outright... I couldn't lie. [ Which made it easier, but also harder. It was a mess, but here they were. ]
I hope to find him sooner rather than later, Professor. I can't... I can't lose him this way again.
Something supernatural's going on, none of you are to blame.
[ It was out of their hands, the sweep of emotion was unable to be staunched in time to think through this logically. Charles knows he has to look for Scott and try to allay what he can of this, but his first focus now is on Ororo because she's the one who reached out.]
Ororo, I promise you, we will fix this. He will need time to feel everything he needs to and grieve properly, but we are family and you won't lose him again.
[ She wishes she had her usual resilience to keep a lid on her feelings for a little longer, to try and settle herself. But as it is, it's all very reminiscent of the days that led up to Scott's disappearance from the mansion, and Ororo is... wholly unprepared to go through all that again. ]
It was a lot like this. He was so angry those first few weeks - and then... he shut himself away. And I let him. [ Charles will hear the rain as it splatters against the windows of her car, responding to her distress even if she keeps her voice as level as she can. ]
... I'm trying to see if I can pick up his trail. He and Logan brought a bike each, but I've gone after Scott first.
[ He didn't have news as gruesome as Scott's, obviously, but Charles lost significantly and he shut himself away for years over it. He won't allow Scott to do the same.]
He may be angry with all of us for a time, but we just have to keep reminding him that we care, and we'll be around when he needs us.
[He sighs on the other end.]
I should have made the decision and told him sooner, rather than set all of you up for failure.
No. Professor... [ She sighs and clenches the wheel briefly. No, it won't do to argue too hard here. Everyone was going to feel some measure of guilt for this - but the most important thing was that they found the time to clear the air.
And for Ororo, to make sure Scott was going to take care of himself. She wasn't going to lose him to his grief again, that was a promise. ]
It's... It's not alright, but it will be. I'll find him and talk to him when he's ready to listen. Until then... [ What could she do? What did they do for him in those first few months without Jean? Ororo swallows, tries not to think of how painful that time was. Scott had had it worse. Scott currently has it worse. She'd be there for him how in the way she'd failed to be there for him before. ]
I suppose we'll find ways to look after him from afar.
He may be willing to listen to me. I have an idea of how to approach this in a ... delicate way.
[ Charles has been more or less planning for this eventuality since he met Scott. They weren't going to keep this from him forever. He had hoped that his argument would hold more weight when Scott established himself in this world better and could see it as a place worth staying in.]
This is his home now. He'll have to understand that. But it's why I've wanted us to find a way to work together and make something of the situation. For him.
[ There is no way of knowing if going back, he'd be in the new timeline they may have succeeded in changing. They have to go with the assumption that he goes back to death, and there is no other option. Which means his life is here now. And they all have to think of it that way.]
[ Oh... She hadn't thought of it that way before. The concept of this place being someone's home - his home... It's stated plainly - but somehow it's more confusing than ever. ]
His home is with us. [ She frowns, and even if Charles can't see it, surely he can hear it from the sound of her voice? ]
Wherever our home is, that is where his home is, too.
There's no safe way to know if he can go back without immediately dying. We have to go under the assumption that this is his last stop.
[ Charles was in no hurry to try to figure out how to go back. Raven left them, just like that, and it's frightened him since, because of Scott specifically. So they have to prepare for what this all means.]
And we are here, we're still his family. He'll remember that eventually.
There's nothing telling us that we can't bring him, or you back. You're meant to return in my future, yes? Why can't that happen for him?
I don't know if I could leave him, or any of you, here. Not again, Professor. [ Her voices catches, but she masters it quickly. It takes a moment, but she's fine. ]
Nothing is set in stone, except perhaps that we are a family. I won't go without you.
[ The only one she really has. So she squares her shoulders and finds some metaphorical steel for her spine. She failed them all once, she won't do it again. ]
Ororo. [ He sighs.] We don't have control of that right now. But I promise, if we ever do, we'll find a way.
[ Charles is not out of hope, he's simply being realistic at this moment in time. He would like to find a solution that benefits all of them, but he already knows from losing Raven that it can happen in an instant.]
Just drive safely home, alright? We will give Scott some space, but perhaps in a few days time you can text him and see if he'll talk. He's angry, but he still loves us.
[ She has sincere doubts about that last comment. Not because she thought Scott didn't love her, but because his anger and grief, if it was anything like it had been at home, would eclipse everything else. Even their love, because when someone like Scott lost someone like Jean... nothing else would have mattered.
She can't even be mad. Mostly she's just afraid that it would happen all over again, that Scott would block them all out and drive off into the wilderness where they couldn't follow - and she would never see him again.
But a sigh like that from the Professor is telling. She knows that sound, and she takes the dismissal for what it is without argument. Maybe he's right, and they'll figure it all out. ]
Yes. Of course. Alright.
[ . . . ]
My apologies again for disturbing you, Professor. I'll check in again once I'm back in the city.
[This is the sort of job that he and Jayce could have completed back home in a matter of weeks--all of this is within their knowledge base, and Viktor especially has a vested interest in helping others get around easier. The protracted timeline of the project is due entirely to the scarcity of resources and the general unreliability of more advanced technology.
Eventually, though, they get it done. Viktor doesn't think he'll ever be fully satisfied, always looking for improvements to be made, but there's no sense in making Charles wait.
There's no sense in bringing him all the way out to their trailer, either. Viktor and Jayce arrange a meeting in Panorama, in a mechanics garage that they sometimes rent by the hours. It's suitable for their purposes, with enough room for Charles to test it comfortably. Viktor can't help but hover, slightly (but not literally), anxious with anticipation as they go over the mechanisms.]
If you prefer different controls, we can make those adjustments.
[Or any adjustment.]
Edited (fixing some typos oops) 2025-12-06 18:28 (UTC)
[ Jayce, meanwhile, is resting on a stool nearby. He's leaving the hovering to his partner, watching the pair of them chat with interest from where he sits. Most people wouldn't be able to guess that it's Viktor who has the bigger personal investment and more experience with mobility aids.
He smiles at Viktor, then at Charles. ]
The seat, too.
[ If the cushioning needs to be moved or changed for better comfort. ]
[ Charles has been frustrated with his chair from the moment he was given it. He was a bit lucky to always have a better option back home, but he had thought that was simply his lot in this world. It was pure luck that had him meeting Jayce and Viktor, separately and then together, and a hope that he didn't have to be in discomfort for the rest of his time. They've been so kind to him, and Charles feels enormous gratitude, especially as he settles into this new chair, and it already feels miles better.]
So far, it's magnificent, my friends, thank you.
[ The best part is the controls that allow him to turn directions and go forward without having to constantly be moving the wheels by himself. He got very spoiled by Hank creating something similar back home, so he's spent months now having sore (and stronger) arms and hands as he moved himself around. He doesn't mind living that way if he has to, but this is a relief.
He can tell that Viktor's hovering (without hovering), and he finds that charmingg, truthfully. He can tell when someone cares about their inventions, and he's been thoughtful during this process. It's impossible to read the man by his current face, although they met on the astral plane where his human face was shown.]
Trust me, it is already ten times more comfortable. There barely was a cushion on the last one.
[ Charles wore it down too until he was practically sitting on metal half the time. Not fun.]
If you ever have any more ideas, please do tell me, I'm certain that you are better experts than I'll ever be. I'm a scientist, not an engineer.
[He watches carefully, looking for anything misaligned or otherwise not operating as smoothly as it might be. Charles seems pleased, though, which means Viktor is pleased in turn. It's good, to work with his hands again--to do something practical, with an immediate benefit.]
Well, use it for a few days, and then let us know if there are any improvements we can make.
[There is a thought that he could apply certain runes to the wheels or mechanisms, for more fluid movement or to reduce wear and tear. He keeps it to himself.]
It's modular. If we find better parts or materials, we can easily exchange them.
[ Jayce turns another fond smile at Viktor before glancing back at Charles. ]
We're just happy to be able to help.
[ However they can. It's been good for them both. He motions with a hand at the chair. ]
This is more in line with what we always meant to do anyway. [ Improving lives - although they intended it on a much larger scale back then. ]
So if you know anyone else in need of anything similar - please, send them our way.
[ They don't always have the resources on hand, depending on what can be scavenged - the time it took to complete Charles' chair was longer than either of them liked, but they can do their best. ]
Oh believe me, I'll be singing your praises. I consider myself very lucky to have come across both of you.
[ Charles had mostly accepted his lot in life here, and while he thought he might be able to upgrade some day, perhaps with quite a cost to it, this was not within his expectations. It speaks very highly of both of them that they not only took it on, but they're clearly genuinely happy to have done it. Not everyone would be, but perhaps they don't know that, given it comes naturally to them.]
I do wish my partner Hank could meet the two of you. He's always been our solo genius inventor, and I could hardly offer him much other than financial support. Which I barely have here.
[ He thinks Hank would love meeting two people with a mind like him. He was left behind with Charles for years rather than going out into the world and changing it like he probably should have done. Charles misses his money, but he's had enough to get what he needs. ][ He simply has never had the opportunity before now! He never spoke with Emma, and it's only here he found people with that particular ability.]
[Viktor offers a nod, feeling similarly. He and Charles haven't subsequently addressed encountering each other in the psychic plane, but he appreciates the discretion. This is not the first time, either, that he's mentioned Hank, and though Viktor wouldn't wish being brought here on anyone, he can certainly understand the lamentation. It would be nice, too, to have more scientists present.]
Well, don't worry about the money. We're all indebted.
[In one way or another. He prefers exchanging favors, anyway--not that he's going to hold any of this over Charles' head, but it's good to know they could ask for assistance, if needed.]
You can introduce us, if he ever shows up here. I'm sure we'd have a great deal to discuss.
[ She's been doing a lot of knitting when it gets slow while working overnight shifts in the diner. She's managed to get her hands on some green, shiny paper to wrap a hand knitted pair of gloves and a knitted cup holder to attach to his wheelchair.
[ Asking herself, “self, what do we know about Charles?” did — miraculously! — not lead her down a warm, fluttering spiral of how nice his voice is or how blue his eyes are. So, you know, she’s making progress.
Ultimately, the box she drops off is filled with thoughtful, but unquestionably platonic, presents. A set of metal bookmarks. A bottle of dry gin, roughly the size and width of a man’s hand. A selection of teas —some typical of Earth, some downright alien; should be an interesting experience! And, in tribute to their early days at the resort many months ago now, an orange and yellow lei that’s only slightly itchy against the neck.
No card, but a post-it.
Merry Christmas to you and yours Kimiko
Maybe an intentional message, maybe not. There’s his people, and then there’s... her. ]
[ The next time Charles is on-site at the school, a courier will drop by with a package. The attached note reads in eloquent cursive: "For the school. Courtesy of Logan." No other name is signed.
The package contains, simply, joolies. Not an exorbitant sum, but enough to afford a couple desks, or a large chalkboard, or a hearty hoard of supplies for a classroom. ]
[ On the morning of Christmas day, Charles will be able to find a neatly wrapped box sitting outside his door. Inside it is an empty journal. The note on the box says - ]
Merry Christmas, Charles. I'm sure you'll have a good use for this. Looking forward to working with you.
Snow and ice will always be frustrating, but it's certainly better prepared. The engineers are ready to do more upgrades once I figure out what I may want. I'm still in testing mode.
We did in New York state for certain, but I didn't get out much then.
Thank you, I'll let you know. I'm thinking of getting a weapon of some kind involved. Not that I enjoy using them, but it's come to my attention that my abilities aren't useful for every incident.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
thetruefocus) wrote2025-03-30 02:16 pm
i'm so sorry this is gonna be at the top of his inbox forever
There's what appears to be... a card(?) on top, and while childish-looking and seemingly drawn with crayons, it appears to have a decent amount of time spent on it. Alongside the card is a small note which reads:
A giant, stinky musical birdie told me this was your thing.
P.S. Those aren't lightning bolts, they're mind blasts. - DP
audio; set after Drama!
[ it goes to voicemail though, and she tries not to let her exhaustion at that seep through to her voice when she composes herself enough to leave him a mostly coherent message. ]
Professor. I apologize for disturbing you at this hour. Scott, Logan and I went to Kolliery to see if we might find anything interesting.
[ a bit hard to believe that that was all this was supposed to even be. On her end, she pinches the bridge of her nose tiredly. Sighs, and continues. ]
But something's strange has happened. I think... there might be some psionic interference going on. People seem to be reading each other's emotions, or sharing them, and...
[ a long pause. ]
Well, Scott has learned some things. The boys got into a terrible fight and have stormed off in different directions and I don't know where they've gone, and... [ What else could she even disclose? She could ask for help, but she needed to be better than that. Couldn't she handle this alone? She ought to. She's handled worse and more alone before. ]
... and I just thought you should know, should either of them find you soon or before I find them. And if that's the case - could you let me know as well, please? I'd really like to talk to them.
ring ring
Ororo? Please pick up.
sorry for the delay!
Professor. Have you heard anything?
no subject
[ Charles doesn't know if that's because they have their reasons, or because they're traveling, or are still too upset to talk. He massages his temples, feeling like he really needs a cup of tea but finding Scott seems like the most logical next step.]
Scott found out about him and Jean?
no subject
I think... he picked up on some of Logan's thoughts somehow - and then some of mine. And when he asked outright... I couldn't lie. [ Which made it easier, but also harder. It was a mess, but here they were. ]
I hope to find him sooner rather than later, Professor. I can't... I can't lose him this way again.
no subject
[ It was out of their hands, the sweep of emotion was unable to be staunched in time to think through this logically. Charles knows he has to look for Scott and try to allay what he can of this, but his first focus now is on Ororo because she's the one who reached out.]
Ororo, I promise you, we will fix this. He will need time to feel everything he needs to and grieve properly, but we are family and you won't lose him again.
no subject
It was a lot like this. He was so angry those first few weeks - and then... he shut himself away. And I let him. [ Charles will hear the rain as it splatters against the windows of her car, responding to her distress even if she keeps her voice as level as she can. ]
... I'm trying to see if I can pick up his trail. He and Logan brought a bike each, but I've gone after Scott first.
no subject
[ He didn't have news as gruesome as Scott's, obviously, but Charles lost significantly and he shut himself away for years over it. He won't allow Scott to do the same.]
He may be angry with all of us for a time, but we just have to keep reminding him that we care, and we'll be around when he needs us.
[He sighs on the other end.]
I should have made the decision and told him sooner, rather than set all of you up for failure.
no subject
And for Ororo, to make sure Scott was going to take care of himself. She wasn't going to lose him to his grief again, that was a promise. ]
It's... It's not alright, but it will be. I'll find him and talk to him when he's ready to listen. Until then... [ What could she do? What did they do for him in those first few months without Jean? Ororo swallows, tries not to think of how painful that time was. Scott had had it worse. Scott currently has it worse. She'd be there for him how in the way she'd failed to be there for him before. ]
I suppose we'll find ways to look after him from afar.
no subject
[ Charles has been more or less planning for this eventuality since he met Scott. They weren't going to keep this from him forever. He had hoped that his argument would hold more weight when Scott established himself in this world better and could see it as a place worth staying in.]
This is his home now. He'll have to understand that. But it's why I've wanted us to find a way to work together and make something of the situation. For him.
[ There is no way of knowing if going back, he'd be in the new timeline they may have succeeded in changing. They have to go with the assumption that he goes back to death, and there is no other option. Which means his life is here now. And they all have to think of it that way.]
no subject
His home is with us. [ She frowns, and even if Charles can't see it, surely he can hear it from the sound of her voice? ]
Wherever our home is, that is where his home is, too.
[ So when she goes home... surely he'll follow? ]
no subject
[ Charles was in no hurry to try to figure out how to go back. Raven left them, just like that, and it's frightened him since, because of Scott specifically. So they have to prepare for what this all means.]
And we are here, we're still his family. He'll remember that eventually.
no subject
I don't know if I could leave him, or any of you, here. Not again, Professor. [ Her voices catches, but she masters it quickly. It takes a moment, but she's fine. ]
Nothing is set in stone, except perhaps that we are a family. I won't go without you.
[ The only one she really has. So she squares her shoulders and finds some metaphorical steel for her spine. She failed them all once, she won't do it again. ]
no subject
[ Charles is not out of hope, he's simply being realistic at this moment in time. He would like to find a solution that benefits all of them, but he already knows from losing Raven that it can happen in an instant.]
Just drive safely home, alright? We will give Scott some space, but perhaps in a few days time you can text him and see if he'll talk. He's angry, but he still loves us.
wrapping here, sorry for the delay 🙏
She can't even be mad. Mostly she's just afraid that it would happen all over again, that Scott would block them all out and drive off into the wilderness where they couldn't follow - and she would never see him again.
But a sigh like that from the Professor is telling. She knows that sound, and she takes the dismissal for what it is without argument. Maybe he's right, and they'll figure it all out. ]
Yes. Of course. Alright.
[ . . . ]
My apologies again for disturbing you, Professor. I'll check in again once I'm back in the city.
maybe late november or honestly whenever u want
Eventually, though, they get it done. Viktor doesn't think he'll ever be fully satisfied, always looking for improvements to be made, but there's no sense in making Charles wait.
There's no sense in bringing him all the way out to their trailer, either. Viktor and Jayce arrange a meeting in Panorama, in a mechanics garage that they sometimes rent by the hours. It's suitable for their purposes, with enough room for Charles to test it comfortably. Viktor can't help but hover, slightly (but not literally), anxious with anticipation as they go over the mechanisms.]
If you prefer different controls, we can make those adjustments.
[Or any adjustment.]
no subject
He smiles at Viktor, then at Charles. ]
The seat, too.
[ If the cushioning needs to be moved or changed for better comfort. ]
no subject
So far, it's magnificent, my friends, thank you.
[ The best part is the controls that allow him to turn directions and go forward without having to constantly be moving the wheels by himself. He got very spoiled by Hank creating something similar back home, so he's spent months now having sore (and stronger) arms and hands as he moved himself around. He doesn't mind living that way if he has to, but this is a relief.
He can tell that Viktor's hovering (without hovering), and he finds that charmingg, truthfully. He can tell when someone cares about their inventions, and he's been thoughtful during this process. It's impossible to read the man by his current face, although they met on the astral plane where his human face was shown.]
Trust me, it is already ten times more comfortable. There barely was a cushion on the last one.
[ Charles wore it down too until he was practically sitting on metal half the time. Not fun.]
If you ever have any more ideas, please do tell me, I'm certain that you are better experts than I'll ever be. I'm a scientist, not an engineer.
no subject
Well, use it for a few days, and then let us know if there are any improvements we can make.
[There is a thought that he could apply certain runes to the wheels or mechanisms, for more fluid movement or to reduce wear and tear. He keeps it to himself.]
It's modular. If we find better parts or materials, we can easily exchange them.
no subject
We're just happy to be able to help.
[ However they can. It's been good for them both. He motions with a hand at the chair. ]
This is more in line with what we always meant to do anyway. [ Improving lives - although they intended it on a much larger scale back then. ]
So if you know anyone else in need of anything similar - please, send them our way.
[ They don't always have the resources on hand, depending on what can be scavenged - the time it took to complete Charles' chair was longer than either of them liked, but they can do their best. ]
Thank you for your patience.
[ Charles had mostly accepted his lot in life here, and while he thought he might be able to upgrade some day, perhaps with quite a cost to it, this was not within his expectations. It speaks very highly of both of them that they not only took it on, but they're clearly genuinely happy to have done it. Not everyone would be, but perhaps they don't know that, given it comes naturally to them.]
I do wish my partner Hank could meet the two of you. He's always been our solo genius inventor, and I could hardly offer him much other than financial support. Which I barely have here.
[ He thinks Hank would love meeting two people with a mind like him. He was left behind with Charles for years rather than going out into the world and changing it like he probably should have done. Charles misses his money, but he's had enough to get what he needs. ][ He simply has never had the opportunity before now! He never spoke with Emma, and it's only here he found people with that particular ability.]
no subject
Well, don't worry about the money. We're all indebted.
[In one way or another. He prefers exchanging favors, anyway--not that he's going to hold any of this over Charles' head, but it's good to know they could ask for assistance, if needed.]
You can introduce us, if he ever shows up here. I'm sure we'd have a great deal to discuss.
Left outside his door on Christmas morning
It comes with a box of homemade Christmas cookies.
Attached is a brief note: ]
Merry Christmas, Professor
- Rogue
no subject
Ultimately, the box she drops off is filled with thoughtful, but unquestionably platonic, presents. A set of metal bookmarks. A bottle of dry gin, roughly the size and width of a man’s hand. A selection of teas —some typical of Earth, some downright alien; should be an interesting experience! And, in tribute to their early days at the resort many months ago now, an orange and yellow lei that’s only slightly itchy against the neck.
No card, but a post-it.
Merry Christmas to you and yours
Kimiko
Maybe an intentional message, maybe not. There’s his people, and then there’s... her. ]
not here
The package contains, simply, joolies. Not an exorbitant sum, but enough to afford a couple desks, or a large chalkboard, or a hearty hoard of supplies for a classroom. ]
✩ christmas delivery
Merry Christmas, Charles. I'm sure you'll have a good use for this. Looking forward to working with you.
- S. G. Rogers
text (backdated to early january)
no subject
no subject
you gettin around better then? besides the damn snow
no subject
no subject
( Georgia boy over here doesn't like this weather. )
if you need somethin for your chair, let me know. i'll try and find it when i'm out
no subject
Thank you, I'll let you know. I'm thinking of getting a weapon of some kind involved. Not that I enjoy using them, but it's come to my attention that my abilities aren't useful for every incident.